Amazon Prime viewers are in for a treat as the classic action film Seven Samurai, boasting a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is now available for streaming. Released in 1954, this epic Japanese samurai film was directed by Akira Kurosawa and co-written with Shinobu Hashimoto and Hideo Oguni.
Plot and Setting
The film is set in 1586 during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. With a runtime of 208 minutes, it features a stellar cast including Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, and Isao Kimura. The synopsis reads: "A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food. A giant battle occurs when 40 bandits attack the village."
Critical Acclaim
Seven Samurai has achieved a rare 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus describes it as "arguably Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, an epic adventure classic with an engrossing story, memorable characters, and stunning action sequences that make it one of the most influential films ever made." One critic called it "one of the best films ever made," while another praised Kurosawa's editing prowess, particularly in the climactic sequence, calling it a "timeless masterpiece." A third critic highlighted Kurosawa's sensitive direction and the actors' inspired performances, noting his talent for making violent action terrifically exciting.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave the film five out of five stars, stating: "The glorious vigour and strength of this film is presented with such theatrical relish and flair: its energy flashes out of the screen like a sword."
Legacy and Availability
The movie was remade in the United States as The Magnificent Seven, one of the most famous Westerns of all time. Seven Samurai is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and the BFI's streaming platform.
